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How to Identify Asbestos In the last century, asbestos was used to make thousands of products stronger, more resistant to fire and less expensive. The exposure to asbestos fibers in the air can lead to lung disease such as asbestosis or mesothelioma. Certain diseases have a long time of latency. It's difficult to identify the presence of a problem until it is too far gone. Identifying Asbestos Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were used in building materials since they are fire resistant, corrosion resistant and insulating. Inhaling the microscopic fibres can be harmful to health. This can lead to diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Symptoms of these illnesses don't show up until years, or decades, after the initial exposure. They're often misinterpreted as flu-like symptoms. This is why it's essential for people to know how to recognize asbestos. Medical tests that test for lung diseases are the most popular method to identify asbestos. These tests usually include a physical examination including chest X-rays, tests for pulmonary function. However, asbestos-related ailments can't be diagnosed by using these tests on their own, since they must be paired with a thorough patient history that looks at a person's home, work and cultural environment. Asbestos can be found in a variety of construction materials and products, including cement, paints, and floor tiles. It can also be found in insulation, doors partitions, cladding and Artex. Asbestos is difficult for people to detect because the fibers are small and light. They can effortlessly float through the air, and inhale without anyone being aware. They don't possess any distinct smells either. You can collect a small sample if you suspect a material contains asbestos. This should be done by a professional who is trained, since removing asbestos is extremely complicated and requires the use of specialized equipment. Send the sample to an accredited asbestos analysis laboratory through the National Voluntary Laboratory Assessment Program (NVLAP). The NVLAP website provides the list of accredited laboratories. Certain categories of people are at greater risk of accidentally causing damage to asbestos. Plumbers, construction workers and electricians are at risk of asbestos exposure in maintenance and renovations. Anyone working in these areas should complete an asbestos awareness course to ensure they are aware of the risks and how to take the right precautions. Take Samples For asbestos testing or inspection, a sample of the material that is suspect is required. The sample could be taken by an asbestos consultant or a homeowner. However it is important to ensure that you don't produce asbestos-containing dust in the air during the taking and cleaning. Typically, the person taking the sample should have a vacuum cleaner that is HEPA-filtered, a water spray bottle and disposable coveralls to protect themselves. While carrying out the task, they should wear a respirator that is compliant with AS/NZS1716: 2003 Respiratory protection device. It is recommended to carry out the sample collection on a non windy day, and ensure that heating or cooling systems are off, so that there is less chance of release of any asbestos-containing airborne particles. When collecting the sample ensure that the area is closed off and that children or pets are not permitted in. The area to be sampled using the help of a damp rag. Then, clean any tools and equipment that were used during the sampling process after it is completed. Place the rag in a plastic bag and label it as contaminated waste, and dispose of it at an asbestos disposal facility that is approved. Place the resealable container and the sample inside a second plastic bag. Then, seal it all up before marking it as asbestos waste. Place a dropsheet of plastic over the area that needs to be cleaned. Then, wet it again. This will trap any fibres that escape. Asbestos samples are typically gathered with the help of a pump and cassette system that is pre-assembled. It is crucial that the cassette does not get overloaded with dust, as this may obscure the fibres in the filter and cause a bias in the result. If the sample is collected in an area that has significant levels of non-fibrous dust, it could be necessary to use an air sample with a smaller volume. The epidemiological research found that asbestos fibres of short length can also cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. This suggests that size is just one of the factors that affect the pathogenicity of asbestos fibers and that other parameters such as chemical properties and dispersion staining, polarization and etching time are also involved. Identifying Professionals Asbestos fibers can be airborne when they are disturbed or spewed out. These microscopic fibers, once inhaled, may cause lung disease. These can cause mesothelioma and asbestosis as well as other respiratory and neurological problems. Many symptoms can appear in the 20 to 50 years following. kentucky asbestos law firm isn't hazardous to health, but when the materials like flooring, insulation and shingles are damaged, they may release harmful fibers. This can occur in the course of a renovation or demolition project, or even during normal home use or as a result of aging. If you plan on remodeling your home, make sure you check with local environmental or health officials to determine if your home contains asbestos materials. If asbestos is found in your home, it is recommended to get it checked before any work is started by an accredited asbestos inspector. If you're renovating an older home, be sure that the contractors you hire have the appropriate credentials. They should be able to provide an asbestos report and survey that includes an assessment of the condition of any ACM (asbestos-containing material) and their brittleness. The survey should also specify whether the contractor will take away or leave the ACM intact. Minor repairs are possible on some ACM, but only a professional with experience in techniques for safely handling asbestos should attempt the repairs. No matter what kind of repair is done the area should be sealed from the rest of your home. Any clothing or equipment should be placed in plastic bags and marked with a warning to avoid cross-contamination. Professionals can cover or seal ACM to prevent it from emitting fibers into the environment. Sealing (encapsulation) also referred to as encapsulation, involves treating the material in a way that binds and seals the fibers to ensure they don't become airborne. This can be done on insulated pipes or to cover old shingles. Professionals are also able to physically remove ACM. The materials are initially soaked so that they can be cut with various tools without releasing dangerous fibers. Then, they place the materials in sturdy, leakproof air-tight containers to ensure safe disposal. Removing or repairing Asbestos Asbestos is resistant to corrosion and heat and has been an extremely useful component in thousands of products including wallboard materials, fireproofing insulation and auto brakes. But asbestos is also an irritant that can cause respiratory problems if fibers are inhaled. Typically, these fibers are lodged in the lungs and could cause tissue inflammation and scarring which can cause breathing problems and cause serious health problems. Asbestos is found in many areas of an apartment, such as ceiling and floor tiles roof shingles, exterior siding, cement pipe, and asbestos-containing joint compound. It is crucial to check these areas regularly for tears, abrasions, or water damage. Material that is slightly damaged may be safe as long as it's not touched or disturbed. However should the material be in need of repair or you plan to make changes to your home that could affect it, you must consult with an asbestos professional. These professionals can conduct an inspection visually and collect samples. They can also give you information on what changes are required and who qualifies. It is essential that you let these professionals manage your asbestos. Some of these professionals have been trained specifically for specific products, and only they should perform corrective work on them. It is also recommended to contact your state's local Health Department or Regional Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to learn about asbestos training programs offered in your region. Be aware that there are firms which falsely claim they specialize in asbestos removal. These companies can be risky since they encourage removals that are not needed or do them incorrectly which increases the risk of releasing harmful fibers. The American Lung Association does not endorse these companies. Before hiring an asbestos expert it is crucial to investigate the company thoroughly to ensure it's accredited and insured. You can also request references from previous clients as well as proof of insurance coverage and accreditation. It is also recommended to check with your state or local environmental and health agencies to learn about the procedures that should be followed if you're planning to undertake any renovations within your home.